Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Neshanic Valley Earns Another Environmental Award

NESHANIC VALLEY GOLF COURSE RECOGNIZED AS A

“GROUNDWATER GUARDIAN”

The Somerset County Park Commission Neshanic Valley Golf Course, located at 2301 South Branch Road in Neshanic Station, has received another recognition for environmental stewardship, earning the status as a “Groundwater Guardian Green Site” by The Groundwater Foundation. This honor follows the recent certification as an “Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” by the Audubon International program and recognition as a “River-Friendly Golf Course” by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority (NJWSA).

The Groundwater Guardian (GG) Green Site program was developed to recognize the efforts of stewards of green spaces to implement, measure, and document groundwater-friendly practices. The program monitors practices related to pesticide and fertilizer use, water use, pollution prevention, water quality, and environmental stewardship. 


The recognition is earned after careful documentation of the environmental impact of groundwater friendly practices including pounds of fertilizer saved annually by using lower input, gallons of water saved annually by using low water/maintenance plant materials, amounts of toxic substances disposed of properly, and other related items.

“This is another well-earned recognition for Neshanic Valley, proving that we can maintain the highest quality golfing experience while still protecting the environment around us,” commented Darrell Marcinek, Director of Golf Maintenance. “It is a tribute to our staff and the leadership and direction provided by the Park Commissioners.”

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary recognizes Neshanic Valley for preservation and enhancement of the wildlife habitat and protection of natural resources. To reach certification, a golf course must demonstrate a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas including Environmental Planning, Wildlife and Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

The “River-Friendly” designation was based on operational and maintenance practices recommended by the NJWSA “River Friendly” program. Actions at Neshanic Valley resulted in the reduction of the contribution to non-point source pollution and improvement of the wildlife habitat on and near the course. In addition, the golf course has been recognized for its Environmental Stewardship by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Neshanic Valley Golf Course, named the 36th Best Municipal Golf Course in the United States by Golfweek magazine, is located at 2301 South Branch Road in Neshanic Station and provides an all-inclusive golfing experience with a 27-hole Championship Course, a 9-hole Academy Course, the Learning Center, and the Callaway Golf Performance Center.

The state-of-the-art Learning Center includes a double-ended driving range with grass and mat hitting areas, a 12,000 square foot putting green, a practice facility including bunkers and three chipping greens, and two practice holes.

The Callaway Golf Performance Center at Neshanic Valley, the only facility of its kind on the east coast, offers a state-of-the-art computerized golf club fitting and swing analysis system, operated by Callaway-trained professionals.

Information on this event and other Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Special Golf Rates for Active Military

The Somerset County Park Commissioners today approved a resolution implementing a special “Active Military Golf Rate for Military Personnel” currently serving our country. The “in-county” rates will apply at all five County-operated golf courses.

The resolution was presented to New Jersey State Senator Kip Bateman acknowledging the Commissioners willingness to amend the golf fee structure to allow any active member of the armed forces to play golf at in-county rates at any county golf course. Senator Bateman accepted the resolution on behalf of Senator James Beach, Chair of the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee

Beginning immediately, active military personnel, regardless of their permanent place of residence, will not be required to pay an in-county or out-of-county registration fee and will be permitted to play the county courses at the county resident rate.

“This is a small gesture to show our appreciation for the commitment of our military personnel in these very difficult times,” stated Dot Paluck, Chair of the Park Commission Golf Committee.

Showing of an active military ID will allow play at any of the five County courses for in-county rates. The County facilities include Neshanic Valley, South Branch Road, Neshanic Station, NJ; Green Knoll, Garretson Road, Bridgewater, NJ; Spooky Brook at Colonial Park, Somerset, NJ; Warrenbrook, Warrenville Road, Warren, NJ; Quail Brook, New Brunswick Road, Somerset, NJ)

Green fees at Green Knoll, Spooky Brook, Warrenbrook, and Quail Brook are $24.00 Mondays to Thursdays and $28.00 for adults Friday to Sunday and holidays. Neshanic Valley rates are $50.00 Monday to Thursday and $60.00 Friday to Sunday and holidays and include a gas cart.

Information on all five county golf facilities may be obtained by calling the Somerset County Park Commission at 908-369-1458, ext. 428. Information on all Somerset County Park Commission events and activities may be found at www.somersetcountyparks.org.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Neshanic Valley Earns Environmental Recognition

NESHANIC VALLEY GOLF COURSE RECOGNIZED BY

UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION

FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE

NESHANIC STATION, NJ – The Somerset County Park Commission Neshanic Valley Golf Course is the subject of a nationally distributed feature article by the United States Golf Association recognizing the facility for environmental consciousness. The article is available at: http://www.usga.org/news/2010/April/Neshanic-Valley-Making-A-Difference/

Neshanic Valley has earned two significant environmental recognitions, certified as an “Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” by the Audubon International program and recognized as a “River-Friendly Golf Course” by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority (NJWSA).

Neshanic Valley was the 24th course in New Jersey and the 704th in the world to receive the Audubon honor and the second “River-Friendly Golf Course” in the main stem Raritan River area. The Park Commission’s Quail Brook Golf Course in Somerset, New Jersey was the first to receive this recognition.

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, and Southeast Asia have also achieved certification in the program.

To attain certification, a course must demonstrate a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas including Environmental Planning, Wildlife and Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

The Neshanic Valley wildlife sanctuary features bluebird boxes throughout the venue and all the holding ponds have been stocked with bass and grass carp with fishing prohibited. Park Rangers have assisted prospective Eagle Scouts with wildlife projects; one scout built 15 bluebird boxes and another constructed wood duck all along the river. There are also five purple martin boxes and bat houses that the staff created.

The “River-Friendly” designation was based on operational and maintenance practices recommended by the NJWSA “River Friendly” program. Actions at Neshanic Valley resulted in the reduction of the contribution to non-point source pollution and improvement of the wildlife habitat on and near the course.

Green Knoll, Spooky Brook, and Warrenbrook golf courses are also adhering to the tenets of the program with official recognition expected in the near future.

In addition, for the past two years, the course has been formally recognized for Environmental Stewardship by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Native fescue and environmentally sensitive areas encompass a little more than a third of the property. Signs posted throughout the course prevent golfers from entering environmentally sensitive areas (ESA), while carts are forbidden from the non-irrigated fescue areas, which by the middle of the season add a golden touch to the meadowland-style layout.

“Protection of our environment and our natural resources are of primary concern throughout the Park Commission,” stated Darrell Marcinek, Director of Golf Maintenance. “The staff at all five of our golf courses fully understands the importance of these programs and work every day to assure compliance with the responsibilities set forth.”

County-run Neshanic Valley has hosted sectional qualifying for the U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Amateur Public Links and will be a sectional qualifying site in June for the U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links

Neshanic Valley Golf Course, named the 36th Best Municipal Golf Course in the United States by Golfweek magazine, is located at 2301 South Branch Road in Neshanic Station and provides an all-inclusive golfing experience with a 27-hole Championship Course, a 9-hole Academy Course, the Learning Center, and the Callaway Golf Performance Center.

The state-of-the-art Learning Center includes a double-ended driving range with grass and mat hitting areas, a 12,000 square foot putting green, a practice facility including bunkers and three chipping greens, and two practice holes.

The Callaway Golf Performance Center at Neshanic Valley, the only facility of its kind on the east coast, offers a state-of-the-art computerized golf club fitting and swing analysis system, operated by Callaway-trained professionals.

Information on this event and other Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org

Monday, March 22, 2010

EEC Naturalist Earns Governor's Award

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER NATURALIST TO RECEIVE A GOVERNOR’S AWARD FROM ART EDUCATORS OF NEW JERSEY

Cathy Schrein, Manager of Environmental Science at the Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center, has announced that Naturalist Daryl Ann Villard has been selected to receive a Governor’s Award in Arts Education sponsored by the NJ Department of Education and NJ Arts Education Partnership – the highest leader award for achievement in the State of New Jersey. Villard was nominated by the Art Educators of New Jersey as a result of receiving the AENJ John Pappas

Art Educators of New Jersey is dedicating to the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of quality instruction in visual arts programs throughout New Jersey. Over 1,400 members include public and private school art teachers, art supervisors, students, museum educators, nationally recognized authors, and individuals actively involved in national and international leadership in art education.

Ms. Villard earned the award for her efforts in organizing the annual “Nature Through a Child’s Eyes” children’s art show. The exhibit annually offers over 300 pieces of art that are created by Somerset County kindergarten through sixth grade students. The works communicate their views of nature and the environment though application of textures, shapes and colors.



The AENJ Awards Ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 4:30 P.M. at the New Jersey State Museum Auditorium in Trenton, New Jersey.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Neshanic Valley Earns NJDEP Award

NJDEP RECOGNIZES NESHANIC VALLEY FOR

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

BRANCHBURG, NJ – Somesret County Park Commission has received notification that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has formally recognized Neshanic Valley Golf Course for “Environmental Stewardship.” The goal of the Environmental Stewardship Initiative is to encourage regulated entities to improve their environmental performance beyond the minimum requirements of existing rules & regulations. The intent is to showcase the achievements of members of the regulated community and serve as an information resource to encourage others to follow.

The recognition is based on the recently complete annual compliance inspection that identified three categories for recognition:

Water Use Reduction

Transportation Energy Use Reduction

Environmental Enhancement Projects

“We have been very diligent in our efforts to assure a minimal impact on the environmental at Neshanic Valley,” state Bob Ransone, Deputy Director - Golf Management. “This is a significant honor for our staff, each member of which has worked very hard to provide a world-class golfing experience while assuring that the environment surrounding the course is protected.”

Neshanic Valley has previously been recognized as “River-Friendly” by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority and as an “Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International.

Neshanic Valley Golf Course, located at 2301 South Branch Road in Neshanic Station, provides an all-inclusive golfing experience with a 27-hole Championship Course, a 9-hole Academy Course, the Learning Center, and the Callaway Golf Performance Center. The state-of-the-art Learning Center includes a double-ended driving range with grass and mat hitting areas, a 12,000 square foot putting green, a practice facility including bunkers and three chipping greens, and two practice holes.

The Callaway Golf Performance Center at Neshanic Valley, the only facility of its kind on the east coast, offers a state-of-the-art computerized golf club fitting and swing analysis system, operated by Callaway-trained professionals.

Neshanic Valley may be reached by calling 908-369-8200. Additional information about the Callaway Golf Performance Center can be obtained by calling 908 369-8232. Tee times are available by calling 908-231-1122.

Information on all Somerset County Park Commission programs and facilities may be found at www.somersetcountyparks.org.